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Flagship Hotel Marks the Brand’s First in Shanghai and Third in Mainland China

W Hotels Worldwide, part of Marriott International, today unveiled W Shanghai – The Bund, located in the heart of one of the world’s most energetic cities. With limitless views overlooking the Huangpu River, W Shanghai will set the scene on the North Bund. Owned by Sinar Mas Group, the hotel features a blend of bold design and decadent style which combines to create a captivating contrast of Shanghai’s past and its avant-garde present.

“Shanghai is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world, and its engaging nightlife, spirited fashion scene and passion for what’s new/next makes it an ideal destination for the W brand,” said Anthony Ingham, Global Brand Leader, W Hotels Worldwide. “Our hotels across the world are incredibly unique- each reinterpreting its destination through design that is both hyper-local and yet, clearly W. The electrifying design of W Shanghai – The Bund is no exception, solidifying its position as a global flagship for W that is sure to attract both guests and savvy locals alike.”

Exterior shot of the W Shanghai – The Bund

Designed by the acclaimed G.A Design, the hotel showcases an exciting combination of historic and modern influences, such as Hai Pai – the art of combining the old and the new, East and West. This is evident in both the hotel’s location, perfectly positioned between the Suzhou Creek and the Huangpu River, as well as the surrounding locale, where Art Deco buildings sit alongside opulent Chinese mansions. W Shanghai – The Bund draws upon colonial glamour and futuristic motifs, with nearly all guestrooms featuring views of the Huangpu River due to the uniquely curved frame of the building’s edifice.

The W Shanghai – The Bund, overlooking the Huangpu River and featuring a blend of bold design and decadent style.

“Over the past few years we have seen incredible growth worldwide across our brands, with the China market becoming increasingly important for Marriott International,” said Stephen Ho, Chief Executive Officer, Greater China, Marriott International. “The opening of the W Shanghai – The Bund underscores the ambitious expansion of Marriott International’s Luxury Brands in Greater China.”

Upon arrival, guests will be greeted by neon light installations throughout the hotel’s Living Room (the W brand’s take on the staid hotel lobby). For centuries, Shanghai-locals have honored the Lilong tradition, in which wet laundry is hung on lines to dry at varying heights down narrow laneways. This installation was designed as a modern reinterpretation of this classic scene. The Welcome Desk (reception area) features a kaleidoscopic fixture, mirroring the constant flow of guests through the area. The ‘Melting Qipao’ pattern, a representation of Shanghai as a melting pot of cultures, can be seen on the walls of the WC (restroom).Continue reading →

Westin Hotels & Resorts, part of Marriott International, Inc., today unveiled its first global brand campaign in more than five years, taking on the disruptions, distractions and unpredictability of travel and empowering travelers to embrace well-being as a way to regain control of their routines and be their best while on the road. The $30 million dollar, integrated advertising campaign – called Let’s Rise – communicates Westin’s commitment to its guests’ well-being before, during and after their stay. Beginning today, the Let’s Rise campaign will be featured in broadcast, digital, radio and out-of-home channels, with print placements to follow later this year. The Let’s Rise mantra will also serve as an anchor for the wellness programs and partnerships that roll out for guests and associates throughout the year.

Westin – Let’s Rise (Photo: Business Wire)

Westin’s Let’s Rise campaign is inspired by and illustrative of the wellness and travel trends fueling the future of both industries, as articulated in a new global study*** conducted in partnership with StudyLogic that surveyed travelers in North America, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Germany, the United Arab Emirates and China. The results show a seismic shift in the way today’s travelers prioritize their well-being. With less time and more disruptors on the road, they are reinventing business and leisure travel to put things like fitness first with new vigor to pursue mindfulness and adventure.

“Let’s Rise is perfectly positioned to connect with travelers as more of a rally-cry than a brand campaign, given today’s over-scheduled and always-on culture,” said Brian Povinelli, Global Brand Leader, Westin Hotels & Resorts. “Around the world, we are seeing travelers realigning their priorities to put their well-being first, and Westin is proud to empower our guests to rise to the occasion and be their best selves on the road.”

Brand Campaign Challenges Travelers: “Will You Get Up, or Will You Rise?”

Westin worked with San Francisco-based Venables Bell & Partners to develop the multi-faceted campaign, consisting of multiple executions in which travelers take control of their well-being. Illustrating guests enabled to wake up early for a run, stay on track with healthy eating goals, and find time to revitalize with an incredible night’s sleep, the campaign aims to connect consumers to the signature programs inherent in Westin’s DNA – from the iconic Westin Heavenly Bed to its workout Gear Lending program in partnership with New Balance® – all designed to embody the brand’s Six Pillars of Well-being:Sleep Well, Eat Well, Move Well, Feel Well, Work Well, and Play Well.

Because morning is the first and best opportunity to take control of the day ahead, the campaign uses morning light as a consistent creative device to speak to the potential that the morning holds. Overall, the campaign calls consumers to answer a simple question, “Will you get up, or will you rise?”

Global Study Shows Seismic Shift in Travelers’ Well-being:

1. Unpredictability of Travel Sees Stress Skyrocket in 2017: Guests around the Globe Turn to Wellness to Regain Control

In the last three years, rising wealth and digital connectivity have prompted a significant spike in global travel and the unpredictability that accompanies it. It is no surprise then that nearly 3 in 4 travelers report they have trouble maintaining their routine on the road. More than 60% say they sleep less, 65% say they exercise less, and 15% report increased stress levels on vacation, a time traditionally thought of as downtime for rest and relaxation.Continue reading →

Newly Formed Marriott International Luxury Brands Group Reinforces the Company’s Commitment to an Unmatched Variety of Luxury Experiences in More Than 60 Countries

Marriott International, Inc. announced that the company continues to grow its leadership position in luxury, doubling its portfolio of luxury hotels through the recent merger with Starwood Hotels & Resorts. Providing global travelers an unrivaled selection of diversified, high-end experiences in 61 countries, the Marriott International Luxury Brands group now includes the iconic St. Regis, The Luxury Collection and W Hotels brands, in addition to the company’s world-renowned hospitality hallmarks The Ritz-Carlton, Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Bulgari Hotels & Resorts, EDITION and JW Marriott. Looking ahead, Marriott International is scheduled to open nearly 30 luxury hotels in 2017 and has a total of 180 luxury hotels in its development pipeline, representing 20 new countries, from Iceland and Nepal to Cuba.

“Spanning the world from the most iconic hot spots to the ultimate undiscovered gems, the unmatched breadth and depth of our luxury portfolio uniquely positions us to cater to the increased demand of the rapidly-expanding cadre of affluent travelers,” said Tina Edmundson, Global Brand Officer, Marriott International. “With luxury travel up nearly 50% over the past five years, we see a long runway for growth at the high-end and have a world-class, dedicated luxury structure in place to nurture and strengthen this coveted portfolio of eight diverse luxury brands.”

Multi-national and cross-generational, mobile and jet-setting, Marriott International’s luxury traveler is comfortable moving across the company’s luxury brands portfolio for business and leisure. Edmundson continued: “Our guests’ approach to luxury is decidedly less formal, entirely more personal, and defined more by their interests and mind-set than their geography and demographic.” This global luxury tribe selects a hotel experience based on their trip purpose, heading to W South Beach for Art Basel Miami Beach, The Ritz-Carlton, Abu Dhabi for Formula 1, The London EDITION for London Fashion Week and The St. Regis New York for the United Nations General Assembly.

Traveling well beyond tried and true locations, to destinations from the Philippines to Peru, and all points in between, luxury travelers look to Marriott International for authentic experiences deeply rooted in the destination. “They want to learn how to kitesurf at The St. Regis Mauritius, discover cherry blossom season at The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto, drink bellinis on the terrace at the iconic Gritti Palace during the Venice Biennale and go heli-skiing at W Verbier,” said Edmundson.

The Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis Further Define the Luxury Landscape in 2017

The Ritz-Carlton, the legendary hospitality brand with 92 hotels around the world, will continue to set the standard in luxury in 2017 with four scheduled debuts, including The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi and The Ritz-Carlton, Astana, creating indelible marks for its guests as they discover the best of the locale. St. Regis, with 38 hotels today and 21 in the pipeline, continues to reinterpret the legacy of the original St. Regis hotel in New York for today’s luxury traveler. The brand unveiled the spectacular St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort in early November and is slated to make debuts in five destinations in 2017, including Shanghai, Changsha and Cairo.

Luxury Rebel W Hotels Opens 50th Hotel

Known to turn the conventional hotel experience upside down wherever the iconic W sign lands, W Hotels continues to ride the wave with the recent opening of W Punta de Mita, the ultimate surfer escape. The brand sits alongside luxury, not confined by it, and celebrated the opening of W Las Vegas last week which helped W Hotels hit the landmark 50th hotel milestone. W Goa is set to make its much-anticipated debut on December 12th and the brand has 33 hotels in the pipeline. 2017 will be a strong year for W Hotels with six anticipated openings, ranging from Tel Aviv and Panama City to Shanghai.

W Tel Aviv (Rendering)

EDITION further expands its global influence in Asia and Europe in 2017

EDITION defines a new generation of luxury by balancing sophisticated design and personalized, attentive service with one-of-a-kind food, beverage and entertainment offerings reflecting the best of the cultural and social milieu of each location. Showcasing its luxury-lifestyle experience with hotels in London, New York and Miami Beach, EDITION most recently premiered The Sanya EDITION on Hainan Island in Southern China, the brand’s first hotel in Asia, and will debut additional properties in Bangkok and Barcelona by the end of 2017.

An incredible ensemble of 102 hotels in more than 30 countries around the world, The Luxury Collection provides global explorers true, indigenous experiences, impossible to replicate anywhere else. From former palaces in Venice and Vienna to contemporary masterpieces such as the Frank Gehry-designed Marques de Riscal in Spain’s Rioja wine region, the brand continues to rapidly expand its footprint. 2017 will see the opening of Hotel Inglaterra in Havana, Cuba, which will join the brand after a complete renovation. The Luxury Collection is set to debut in nine destinations next year, including California’s Napa Valley, Singapore and Panama City.

After Marquee Openings in Venice and Los Cabos, JW Marriott Continues to Soar

JW Marriott, the brand inspired by its legendary namesake, is an expression of approachable, modern luxury. With 79 hotels and resorts today in 27 countries, including the recent openings of JW Marriott Venice and JW Marriott Los Cabos, the brand is looking forward to its much anticipated 2017 resort debut in Vietnam with the opening of JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa. Additionally, JW Marriott will open JW Marriott parq Vancouver by the end of next year.

For The Distinctive Art Deco Hotel, A New Era Begins After 90 Years Of Moving History

Extending the reach of Sheraton Grand, a new premium classification for the brand, the Sheraton Hotels & Resorts(a brand of Marriott International)has launched the Sheraton Grand London Park Lane after a several million pounds extensive renovation and redesign of the 303 rooms. The comprehensive renovation also comprised of work on the public spaces, including the famous The Palm Lounge Court, the Ballroom* and the opulent foyer Silver Gallery.

The interior architects of MKV Design are responsible for the extensive renovation project, in collaboration with the Sheraton Global Designteam, combining the history of the building and its impressive location opposite the Green Park with modern, stylish elements and details. The profound renovation was followed by the redesign to the Sheraton Grand, the premium classification of the Sheraton brand for hotels characterized by particularly attractive locations, exclusive design, excellent service and outstanding customer experiences. The Sheraton Grand London Park Lane is the first hotel in London to meet this exquisite portfolio of currently 35 Sheraton Hotels worldwide.

“As one of the global travel hubs, London is a crucial market for Sheraton, the internationally most widely-used brand of Marriott International. That’s why we should be one of our flagships, “said McGuinness, senior vice president and global brand leader for Sheraton Hotels and Resorts. “The Sheraton Grand Park Lane London and its extravagant refurbishment gives the Sheraton brand a very special glow and serves as a great model for the transformation we are striving for the brand.“

Since its heyday as the first choice for personalities of society, public life and the aristocracy, the Sheraton Grand London Park Lane has maintained the tradition of bringing people together in the heart of the Mayfair District. The design concept builds on the Art Deco heritage and this social influence, creating a wealth of spaces and an interior in which business and leisure can be easily combined. The 303 rooms have been completely redesigned in an elegant and luxurious style, breathing the spirit of Art Deco. 43 newly created Sheraton Club rooms and suites offer exclusive access to the Sheraton® Club Lounge, a private retreat where guests can enjoy breakfast, drinks and snacks during the day, as well as an afternoon tea in the style of The Palm Court , While in the evening, a varied selection of drinks and canapésare offered. For business travelers, this category also includes the use of a private conference room in the Sheraton® Club Lounge, which can accommodate up to eight people.

The 21 suites of the hotel have been redesigned in such a way that the indoor space is optimally utilized and the view outside on the laubbowers of the Green Park can be enjoyed to the fullest. Many suites can now be connected to neighboring suites, so that large families and groups can get enough space. The Grand Suite of the hotel is a commitment to luxury and opulence and includes a representative entrance area, a master bedroom with en-suite bathroom, as well as various living and dining areas. The rooms are interconnected with double-width sliding doors, so the Grand Suite can be opened to a single spacious room.

“The new design of the Sheraton Grand London Park Lane marks a milestone for Sheraton in the United Kingdom,” says Even Frydenberg, Chief Operations and Franchise Support Officer Europe, Marriott International. “Thanks to a successful collaboration with Sir Richard Sutton Limited, this newly refurbished hotel represents the grand category of the brand and is a strategically immensely important home for the Sheraton portfolio.”

The Palm Court at the Sheraton Grand London Park Lane Hotel

The Palm Court at the Sheraton London Grand Park Lane Hotel

The Palm Court at the Sheraton London Grand Park Lane Hotel

The renovation brought forth modern meeting places for city dwellers and world travelers alike. The prestigious The Palm Court Lounge, with its elegant furnishings and a magnificent stained glass roof, is the perfect backdrop for meetings in an aesthetic and lively atmosphere. Following the tradition of the Grand Hotel lounges of the 1920s and 30s, here breakfast, afternoon tea, dinner and cocktails, a special menu called serving and Paired , Sheratons creative culinary offerings, the small dishes and delicious bar snacks excellently combined with premium wines and local craft beers.

Following an Extensive Renovation with Design Direction from Internationally Acclaimed Interior Designers Anouska Hempel and Jacques Garcia, The Duxton Club Is Expected to Open in the “Garden City’s” Historic Tanjong Pagar District in 2017

The Luxury Collection® Hotels & Resorts, part of Marriott International, announced it will debut the brand’s first-ever hotel in Singapore in early 2017. In partnership with boutique developers Harpreet and Satinder Garcha, The Duxton Club, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Singapore will showcase the island’s rich history with stunning redesigns from Anouska Hempel and Jacques Garcia of traditional shophouses–a prevalent building in Singapore’s architectural heritage–in the Tanjong Pagar conservation district. Both preserving the past and offering guests a contemporary luxury experience, the multi-million-dollar renovation will bring to life Singapore’s roots in an authentic and indigenous way.

Rendering of the lobby at The Duxton House by Anouska Hempel Design

The Duxton Club will reside in two pre-war colonial shophouse buildings within walking distance of one another: The Duxton House on Duxton Road and The Duxton Terrace on Murray Street. Strategically situated in the Duxton area, the two buildings are adjacent to the emerging Central Business District of Tanjong Pagar and border the culturally rich Chinatown area. In recent years, the neighborhood has enjoyed a revival, emerging as the epicenter for today’s global traveler as one of the island’s most stylish leisure and dining neighborhoods. The Duxton House is expected to open in early 2017, while The Duxton Terrace is slated to open in July 2017.

“We are thrilled to bring The Luxury Collection to Singapore,” said Rajit Sukumaran, Senior Vice President, Acquisitions & Development, Marriott International Asia Pacific. “We are confident that The Duxton Club will make its mark on the country’s highly competitive hospitality market, and we’re proud to work with Harpreet and Satinder Garcha, who are passionate about design and adaptive-reuse heritage projects.”

Originally constructed in the early 19th century, The Duxton House features 50 guestrooms in eight adjoining three-story buildings reimagined by celebrated designer Anouska Hempel, whose comprehensive interior design background spans hotels, restaurants, retail spaces and luxury residential projects including the Hempel Hotel and Blakes Hotel in London, and high-end retail stores around the world such as Van Cleef and Arpels and Louis Vuitton.

Under the strong interior design identity of Hempel, The Duxton House will be restored to its former glory with rich oriental influences that honor the property’s unique heritage and timeless sense of luxury and glamour. Once completed, the hotel will include a destination restaurant, signature bar and private cigar room – all offering refined experiences for discerning guests seeking authentic, indigenous experience deeply rooted in the destination.

Just 600 feet away, with convenient access to the upscale establishments of Tras Street and Club Street, The Duxton Terrace comprises fourteen adjoining three and four-story colonial-era buildings with 138-guestrooms. Originally, completed in 1929, the structure likely served Chinese merchants before being converted to army barracks. Since then, the building has been adapted for different purposes, from housing a hawker food alley to restaurants and office space. The property’s most recent renovation project received the Architectural Heritage Award from the Urban Redevelopment Authority, further solidifying the building as a cherished and historic landmark.

The Duxton Terrace will be restored to its original grandeur by renowned architect and designer Jacques Garcia, whose extensive design portfolio includes the restoration of The Louvre and The Palace of Versailles. The hotel will house five captivating food and beverage venues including a signature bar and lobby bar, an all-day dining restaurant, a poolside bar and an exclusive member’s club. Additional facilities will include an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center and cigar room. Guests of The Duxton Club will enjoy full use of the facilities at both premises.Continue reading →

Marriott International, In Partnership With The Smithsonian National Museum Of African American History And Culture Celebrates The Women Who’ve Paved The Way At The EncouragHERS Luncheon Featuring Common, Jazmine Sullivan And Special Guests

Marriott International’s sponsorship of the museum is in commitment to its mission to honor African American history and culture

Marriott International has announced its partnership with the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), and its role as the grand opening hospitality sponsor. To kick off the weekend, Friday, September 23, 2016, Marriott International is hostingEncouragHERS, a luncheon recognizing women of character, courage and commitment, hosted by Common, with a performance by Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Jazmine Sullivan. The celebratory event will shine a light on the contributions of women to the African American community and their role in making the new museum a reality.

The National Museum of African American History and Culture was established as the 19th Smithsonian museum by an Act of Congress through legislation signed into law by President George W. Bush in 2003. Groundbreaking occurred in 2012. The museum occupies a prime location in Washington, D.C., on the National Mall at the corner of Constitution Avenue at 14th Street, across from the Washington Monument. Opening Sept. 24, the nearly 400,000-square-foot museum will be the nation’s largest and most comprehensive cultural destination devoted exclusively to exploring, documenting and showcasing the African American experience.

“The National Museum of African American History and Culture has been a long time in the making, and all of us at Marriott International are truly honored to be kicking off the weekend with the EncouragHERS luncheon,” said Erika Alexander, chief lodging services officer, the Americas at Marriott International. “EncouragHERS are the women who recognize when their communities need her support, when their protégés need encouragement, when their families need her strength or when friends just need an ear, act as an inspiration to us all, and that’s why Marriott is here to say thank you.”

The EncouragHERS luncheon will recognize the influence and brilliance of women who use their energy to uplift and empower women leaders from across all industries of business, entertainment, sports, politics and more. Each attendee has demonstrated support for the African American community or made impactful contributions to NMAAHC, which reflects Marriott International‘s 80+ year commitment to diversity and inclusion.

“I am looking forward to being a part of this incredible event with Marriott International and the National Museum of African American History and Culture, celebrating the contributions of strong African American women and kicking off such an important and historic weekend in Washington, D.C.,” said Oscar and Grammy winning artist Common. “As the son of a single mother, I am proud to honor the women who came before us, and to do my part to nurture future generations of strong African American women.”

The opening of the National Museum of African American History and Culture provides the opportunity for Marriott International to welcome guests traveling from throughout the United States and around the world to witness the historic opening of the Smithsonian’s newest cultural institution. Marriott International looks forward to hosting Washington, D.C. visitors for years to come, as the museum continues to be a sought-after destination. Visit www.marriott-nmaahc.com and follow the Marriott International Twitter and Instagram handles (@MarriottIntl) for additional information about EncouragHERS and Marriott International‘s support for the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

In anticipation of SUPER BOWL 50 in February 2016, one of the biggest events in the history of the NFL, Marriott International is changing the game for lucky fans with an epic season long SUPER BOWL 50 CAMPAIGN. Courtyard by Marriott, the Official Hotel of the NFL for the past four years, is adding to its tradition of unique NFL experiences by hosting the world’s first SUPER BOWL “SUITE STADIUM CONTEST” SLEEPOVER in Levi’s Stadium.

Marriott Rewards, the company’s award-winning loyalty program, launches its “50 TO 50” CAMPAIGN that includes a sweepstakes which gives members in three countries a once-in-a-lifetime chance to take a group of 50 of their friends and family to attend the game and enjoy an exclusive VIP Super Bowl 50 weekend in the San Francisco Bay area.

Marriott Rewards is making it possible for the winner to take a group of 50 friends and family to SUPER BOWL 50 in the San Francisco Bay area with its 50 TO 50 SWEEPSTAKES on Facebook (www.Marriott50to50.com). The trip includes flights, hotel, tickets to the game and an unforgettable VIP weekend experience at the biggest game of the year. Members can enter today for a chance to win through November 30, and non-members will be able to sign up instantly for Marriott Rewards which is free to join. Visit the Marriott Rewards Facebookpage for info and follow the conversation with #50to50. The sweeps is available to residents of the United States, Canada (excluding Quebec) and the United Kingdom

As a part of Marriott International’s worldwide sponsorship with the NFL, Marriott Rewards will participate in the League’s International Series “NFL On Regent Street” Fan Fest Event on October 24 in London, providing an interactive Football Challenge, surprise visits from special VIP guests and chances to enter the 50 to 50 sweepstakes. To extend the exclusive experience, a few lucky Marriott Rewards members will also be invited to watch the Jacksonville Jaguars and Buffalo Bills square off at Wembley Stadium from a private suite on October 25.

“The NFL is the powerhouse of professional sports, and our long-standing sponsorship gives us an opportunity to tap into a passionate group of travelers, bringing the breadth and depth of our brand offerings to fans,” said Karin Timpone, Global Marketing Officer, Marriott International. “Similar to our relationships with global leaders in the music and entertainment industry, our NFL sponsorship represents the company’s ongoing effort to bring exclusive and memorable experiences for our guests and the 52 million members of our Marriott Rewards program.”

“Marriott provides unique and interactive experiences that have resonated with football fans across the country,” said Renie Anderson, Senior Vice President Of Sponsorship, NFL. “We are pleased to work with Marriott to reach our fans in authentic and innovative ways, especially leading up to Super Bowl 50.”

Courtyard by Marriott offers the SUPER BOWL “SUITE STADIUM CONTEST” an unforgettable overnight stay at Levi’s Stadium the night before Super Bowl 50 in a suite transformed into a Courtyard guest room. Following the slumber party of the century, the winner and three guests will continue to party as they cheer during the epic Super Bowl 50 game. The contest is now open and the winner will be determined through a series of social media challenges before closing in November. The prize also includes flights and tickets to the game. Visit Courtyard.comor follow the conversation with #SuiteSB50Contest.

Courtyard will also build momentum with a season-long “JOURNEY TO SUPER BOWL 50” ROAD TRIP that travels through NFL markets across the country before reaching its big, final stop in San Francisco. Each stop brings a fun-filled fan fest complete with NFL-themed games, NFL legend appearances, samples from the brand’s Bistro and special connections to brand contests and Marriott Rewards gifts. Fans can track the journey with #CourtyardNFL or Courtyard.com/NFL.

Courtyard has also launched its newest NFL television campaign starring NFL anchor Rich Eisen. In the spots, the brand invites Eisen to test their latest NFL-themed hotel innovations that go to humorous, overzealous extremes to please their guests. The spots will air throughout the season and can be viewed at the Courtyard YouTubepage.Continue reading →